It's a bit cheeky listing this as a separate 1,000 coin issue, given that it forms part of the 10,000 coin mintage, but this carded variety could end up achieving a healthy premium to the non carded coins in my opinion. At $59 this is the first modern numismatic coin from Perth Mint that I am considering buying a few of in quite some time! There are only 370 available on the Perth Mint site presently, I don't expect them to last more than 24-48 hours.

Just released! ModernCoinMart has the exclusive United States distribution rights to this new release commemorating the 2014 Lunar Year of the Horse! This is the second in a series of 1oz. Silver Lunar Bullion coins issued by Tokelau and has a low mintage of only 50,000 coins! Each non-graded coin will ship in the original mint capsule as issued (even for larger orders).

We will be carrying the coins in NGC as well as PCGS holders as well as singles, lots, and sealed boxes of ungraded coins!

2014 Gold Year of the Horse - Square Bullion CoinThe design on the 2014 Gold Year of the Horse (1/10oz) gold bullion coin, consists of acoloured representation of a horse superimposed over stylised ground with a horizon and a stylised cloud, and the following:(a) the pinyin pictograph pronounced “mă” and meaning “horse”;(b) “P”

While it won't be the first foray into square coins for Perth Mint, it appears 2014 will be the first of the Lunar series coins to go square. These descriptions come from Comlaw as a result of Perth Mint requiring approval for coins issued legal tender status.

Here is the description for a Silver version of the squared coin:

2014 Silver Year of the Horse - Square Bullion CoinThe design on the 2014 Silver Year of the Horse (1oz) silver bullion coin, consists of thefollowing:(a) a coloured representation of a horse;(b) a coloured representation of a Chinese stamp that is made up of a square border which encloses the pinyin pictographs pronounced “qían lóng yù lăn zhī băo” and meaning “stamp of Emperor Qíanlóng”;(c) a coloured representation of a Chinese stamp that is made up of a square border which encloses the pinyin pictographs pronounced “tài shàng huáng dì zhī băo” and meaning “stamp of Emperor Yōngzhèng”;(d) the pinyin pictographs pronounced:(i) “Dà Wăn Liū” which is the name of the horse with no English equivalent; and(ii) “qían lóng wù chén mèng chūn haĭ xī chēn láng shì níng gōng shū” and meaning “Painted by Minister Lang Shining in early spring of the 13th year from the ascension of Emperor Qíanlóng”;(e) “P”

The descriptions above are made 10 times each indicating that we might have some 2014 Lunar Horse Coin sets being issued (in both Gold and Silver) similar to the 2012 Lunar Dragon 10 Coin Set, except this time it appears the coins will be square rather than round.

Note that these square coins will only be a numismatic release and the bullion series 2014 Lunar Horse coins will still come in a round form.

"Yes, it is the first in a series of horses (annual). Yes, it only has
10,000. Yes, it has COA. And yes I bought a roll of 20! From what I
understand, one wholesaler (Germany) has the exclusive rights to the
series. 10,000 minted. 6000 gone already, 1000 to Australia, leaving
3,000 to snatch up."

The coin comes at the cheaper price point of circa $50, much improvement over the usual $100 price tag of numismatic releases from Perth Mint although on this occasion it appears to be sold without the case (certificate only):

2013 1 oz Silver Australian Stock Horse

Originated from the colonial stock which arrived with the First Fleet in 1788, the Australian Stock Horse is bred to endure the harsh conditions of the countyr´s vast outback.

Renowned for its calm temperament, agility, strength and endurance, the Australian Stock Horse has evolved to become both a reliable working, and fine performance, breed. Considered extremely versatile , this variety of horse is often chosen for general riding , stock work on pastoral land and equestrian competitions.

The coin´s reverse portrays an Australian Stock Horse proudly rearing up onto its hind legs in a paddock on a rule property. The design includes the inscription, THE AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE, the 2013-year-date, the metal, the weight and fineness and the Perth Mint´s "P" mintmark, design by Ing Ing John. The Ian Rank-Broadley likeness of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination are shown on the obverse.

The Perth Mint has issued a strict mintage cap for these Silver coins, which means no more will be minted. Get yours while they are available! All Silver Stock Horse coins come in a plastic capsule with numbered certificate.

While information on the 2014 Year of the Horse coins from Perth Mint is still thin on the ground I thought it was worth mentioning that the ComLaw documents Perth Mint submits (due to legal tender status of the coins) has descriptions on what we can expect from the designs:

2014 Gold Year of the Horse - Bullion Coins

The design on the 2014 Gold Year of the Horse (10kg, 1kg, 10oz, 2oz, 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10oz, 1/20oz) bullion coins, consists of a pattern of lines forming a circle immediately inside the rim, surrounding a representation of a horse, and a landscape featuring grass, loose soil and mountains and clouds in the background. The coins include the following inscriptions ‘Year of the Horse’, the Pinyin pictograph pronounced ‘mǎ’ and meaning ‘horse’ and the initials of the designer Tom Vaughan ‘TV’.

2014 Silver Year of the Horse - Bullion Coins

The design on the 2014 Silver Year of the Horse (10kg, 1kg, 10oz, 5oz, 2oz, 1oz, 1/2oz) bullion coins, consists of a pattern of lines forming a circle immediately inside the rim, surrounding a representation of two horses, in a stylised landscape with leafy trees, hilly terrain and a river. The coins include the following inscriptions ‘Year of the Horse’, the Pinyin pictograph pronounced ‘mǎ’ and meaning ‘horse’ and the initials of the designer Tom Vaughan ‘TV’.

I'm looking forward to seeing the designs. We can expect images to be released by Perth Mint a few days in advance of their launch later this year (likely to be early September if past years are any guide).